Crosby Farm Regional Park

Name: Crosby Farm Regional Park
Address: 2595 Crosby Farm Rd, St Paul, MN 55116, USA, Minneapolis, MN, US
Telephone: (651) 266-6400
Rating: 4.7

4.7(895) Minneapolis, MN

Directions Website

About Crosby Farm Regional Park

Crosby Farm Regional Park offers a highly refreshing and relaxing urban nature escape within the Twin Cities, featuring diverse hiking trails that traverse forests, lake/riverfronts, and open fields. It's a prime destination for families seeking a peaceful outdoor experience with ample wildlife viewing opportunities, including various birds, waterfowl, and the chance to spot eagles. The park provides a sense of being far from city noise, making it ideal for extended day hikes and picnicking without driving long distances.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Families seeking a peaceful and uncrowded day hike experience close to the city.Extended family picnics and outdoor relaxation.Families looking for diverse trail scenery (forest, water, open field).A refreshing escape to spend time by a 'beachy area' on a nice day.**School-aged children (5+ years):** Ideal for kids who are steady on their feet and can navigate varied terrain, including potentially muddy or steep sections. They would also benefit from the wildlife spotting and longer hike distances.

Why families love it

Diverse natural landscapes including forests, lake/river views, and open fields.
Exceptional bird and waterfowl watching, with potential sightings of eagles.
Numerous trails of varying lengths and types, ensuring a different experience each visit.
A tranquil environment largely free from city sounds and generally not overly crowded.
Designated areas available for picnicking and general relaxation.
Presence of interesting smaller landmarks along the trails.

Insider tips

**Wear appropriate footwear:** Reliable boots or shoes are strongly recommended, especially for steeper and potentially muddy trail sections.
**Exercise caution near the lake bridge:** Be aware of the 'tricky and a bit dangerous' broken section of the wooden bridge/dock along the lake.
**Watch for natural hazards:** When hiking in forest areas, be vigilant for stinging nettle and reported wasp nests.
**Pack essentials:** Bring snacks and drinks, as outside food is permitted and encouraged. Consider bringing a hammock for relaxation.
**Visit late summer:** Listen for the 'whispering hisses of katydids' during this season.

Good to know before you go

Parents with very young children or those requiring stroller access should be cautious, especially near the damaged bridge section or on potentially muddy trails.
Individuals highly sensitive to stings or nettle rashes might consider avoiding deep forest areas, or take extra precautions (long pants, bug spray).
If you expect perfectly manicured, hazard-free trails, as natural elements like stinging nettle and wasps are present.
A wooden bridge/dock along the lake has a broken section described as 'tricky and a bit dangerous to cross', requiring caution.
Some sections of the trail can be steeper and muddy, especially after rain.

Crowds: Generally described as 'not too crowded', offering a peaceful and serene experience even as a popular day hike destination.
Value: As a regional park, it offers an exceptional free outdoor experience, providing high value for families seeking diverse trails, abundant wildlife, and a peaceful atmosphere without any mentioned entrance fees or hidden costs. It's considered a top-tier day hike destination within the Twin Cities.
Food: Outside food and drinks are allowed and encouraged, with reviewers mentioning bringing snacks and hammocks for relaxation and picnics.
Accessibility: No specific accessibility accommodations are mentioned.
Safety: No explicit safety features like staff supervision or first aid stations are mentioned in the reviews.

What parents say

Bug Folk

4.0

"I like this park. I really want to give it 5 stars, but to do so, the dock and the wooden bridge along the lake need to be fixed or rebuilt. It is possible to walk on it, but there is a part where it is tricky and a bit dangerous to cross the part where the bridge broke. Lots of interesting smaller landmarks to see. The lake is beautiful. Lots of birds and waterfowl to see. If you are lucky, you may see an eagle. The whispering hisses of katidids can also be heard along the trail late summer."

6 months ago

Ailee Neumann

5.0

"I truly love this park! There’s so many birds to watch. Plenty of different hiking trails too. There’s a small parking lot with a porta potty as well. There are some steeper muddy parts of the trail so I recommend wearing reliable boots/shoes."

6 months ago

christian whited

5.0

"absolutely love this park. such a relaxing place in the twin cities with tons of trails, places to hang out and picnic. lots of parking. one of my favorite outside destinations in the area i come here weekly."

8 months ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.